Cullen Jenkins will be wearing a different uniform in 2013. / Alex Trautwig, Getty Images

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

Another member of the Philadelphia Eagles' 2011 free-agent class is gone.

Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins has been released, the team announced Monday. He joins defensive end Jason Babin, running back Ronnie Brown, wide receiver Steve Smith and quarterback Vince Young (he of the "Dream Team" statement that year) as players acquired that offseason who are no longer on the roster.

"It's one of the most difficult parts of the job," general manager Howie Roseman said of the decision to part with Jenkins. "He has been a very productive player in this league for a long time but we felt it in our team's best interests that we go in a different direction. By releasing him at this point, it gives he and his agent more time to sign on with another team. We wish Cullen and his family all the best as he continues his NFL career."

Jenkins, 32, signed a five-year, $25 million deal with the Eagles after a seven-sack season with the Green Bay Packers in 2010. He had a total of 9½ sacks in his two seasons with Philly. Jenkins is owed $1.5 million guaranteed this season after restructuring his deal last year.

The Eagles released defensive tackle Mike Patterson, their first-round pick in 2005, later in the day. He played only five games this past season following brain surgery and also because of pneumonia. Patterson's representatives and the Eagles got into a public spat because the team tried to recoup $150,000 of Patterson's salary when they put him on the non-football-injury list.

The situation was resolved, and there were no bad vibes on either side as the 29-year-old Patterson exited the franchise.

"Mike Patterson is one of the toughest players I have ever been around in the National Football League," Roseman said. "He has overcome many obstacles throughout his career.

"Coach Kelly and I each had great conversations with him today. He is a class act."

Two other players acquired in 2011 - cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - face uncertain futures with the organization. Asomugha is owed $15 million in 2013, and his agent met with Roseman to discuss a possible pay cut last week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Rodgers-Cromartie, acquired in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, will be a free agent next month. His inconsistent play might lead to his departure.

Guard Evan Mathis, who signed a new five-year deal last year, is currently the lone bright spot from the team's 2011 offseason.